Local businesses set to flourish with new state of the art Innovation hub

Posted on Saturday 7th December 2013

Plans are getting off the ground to develop a new £6.8 million landmark Biomedical Innovation Hub at the University of Birmingham that will offer essential laboratory and office space for new and growing local biomedical businesses.

Sustainably developed and energy efficient, the hub will provide access to laboratories housing the latest equipment in this field and the opportunity to gain help from experts at the University.

Due to open in summer 2014, the hub is supported through £3.4 million from the European Regional Development Fund, which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government and match funded by the University of Birmingham.

Communities Minister Baroness Stowell of Beeston MBE said:
“In the current economic climate it is essential that we support and facilitate the growth of emerging markets that in turn will provide opportunities for local businesses and people. Having access to the latest technology and being able to test out products and ideas is a must for aspiring businesses in this field looking to thrive and expand. It’s important that we show our support for interesting and exciting projects such as this and I am delighted to be able to provide this.”

Councillor Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council said:

"The proposed Biomedical Innovation Hub will provide a fantastic addition to what is fast-becoming a great jewel in Birmingham's economic crown. Life sciences has been identified as a sector which can help add significant growth and jobs to the city's economy, and help Birmingham compete globally for investment. The establishment of the Hub in 2014 will be a significant step forward in developing the city's Life Science Economic Zone, and will hopefully then be followed shortly thereafter with the opening of a new Institute for Translational Medicine in 2015, and the establishment of a new Life Sciences Campus thereafter - kicking off one of the biggest investment drives the sector has ever seen in Birmingham."

Dr James Wilkie, Director of Research and Innovation Services, University of Birmingham said:

“The Biomedical Innovation Hub will confirm Birmingham’s ‘Biomedical Quarter’ as one of the prime locations in Europe for medical research, translation onto patient trials and the creation of new medical business opportunities and employment. The combination of its location at Birmingham Research Park, its facilities and opportunity for exchange of information with like-minded business people will increase the chances of business success, growth and job creation.”

To find out more about the new hub, contact Tim Yates at the University of Birmingham on +44 (0)121 414 8635.